Windows 11 brings a fresh new design and improved features to your PC experience, but sometimes, users encounter one frustrating hiccup: File Explorer slow loading. Whether it’s taking forever to open folders, lagging when you click on files, or just feeling sluggish overall, slow File Explorer performance can seriously disrupt your workflow.
Don’t worry — this guide will walk you through the best ways to speed up File Explorer on Windows 11, backed by practical tips and easy fixes you can try right now. Let’s get your File Explorer feeling snappy again!
Why is File Explorer Slow on Windows 11?
Several factors can cause File Explorer to load slowly:
- Too many startup apps consuming system resources
- Large or cluttered folders with many files
- Network or OneDrive syncing delays
- Corrupted system files affecting File Explorer processes
- Outdated Windows or system drivers
- File Explorer cache or Quick Access issues
Now, let’s explore solutions to kickstart your File Explorer performance.
Fixes for Slow File Explorer in Windows 11
1. Restart File Explorer Process
Sometimes, the easiest fix is a quick restart:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
- Right-click and select Restart.
This reloads File Explorer and often clears temporary glitches.
2. Clear Quick Access History
Quick Access caches frequently used files and folders but can slow down loading when it gets cluttered.
- Open File Explorer.
- Click on the three dots (…) on the toolbar and choose Options.
- Under the General tab, click Clear next to Clear File Explorer history.
- Click OK and restart File Explorer.
3. Disable Quick Access and Set This PC as Default
Quick Access loading can consume resources, especially if linked to many network locations.
- Go to File Explorer Options (as above).
- On the General tab, change Open File Explorer to: from Quick Access to This PC.
- Click OK.
Opening directly to “This PC” can reduce the loading time.
4. Optimize Folder for General Items
Folders with many files and pictures might slow loading.
- Right-click the problematic folder and select Properties.
- Go to the Customize tab.
- Under Optimize this folder for: select General items.
- Also, check Also apply this template to all subfolders.
- Click Apply then OK.
5. Disable Windows Search Service (Temporary Test)
Sometimes the Windows Search indexing causes delays.
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and hit Enter. - Scroll to Windows Search.
- Right-click and choose Properties.
- Set Startup type to Disabled.
- Click Stop, then OK.
Try opening File Explorer now. If it’s faster, the issue may be in search indexing. You can re-enable the service later.
6. Run System File Checker and DISM
Corrupted system files may slow things down.
-
Press Windows + S, type cmd.
-
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
-
Type:
sfc /scannow
and press Enter.
-
Once complete, run these two commands one by one:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth -
Restart your PC.
7. Update Windows and Drivers
Keeping your system updated ensures bugs are fixed:
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any available.
- Also update your device drivers via Device Manager or manufacturer support websites.
8. Disable Thumbnails & Preview Pane
Loading preview thumbnails in Explorer can cause delays, especially on slow drives.
- Open File Explorer.
- Go to the View tab.
- Turn off Preview pane.
- Also under View > Show, uncheck Thumbnails (select Details view).
9. Check for Malware
Run a full system antivirus or Windows Defender scan to rule out malware interference.
Final Thoughts
Slow File Explorer loading in Windows 11 can be a pain, but with these practical steps, you can boost performance quickly. Remember to restart File Explorer first, then move through deeper fixes like clearing cache, checking system files, and updating Windows.
If you’re still facing issues, consider resetting or reinstalling Windows 11 as a last resort, but most users find success long before that point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why does File Explorer get slow randomly?
A: File Explorer performance can degrade due to caches, indexing, system updates, or even third-party apps interfering.
Q: Does disabling Quick Access affect my files?
A: No, Quick Access is just a shortcut view and disabling it doesn’t delete or move your files.
Q: How often should I clear File Explorer history?
A: Clearing Quick Access history every few weeks keeps it responsive, especially if you work with many files daily.
By following this guide, you can enjoy a smoother and faster File Explorer experience on your Windows 11 device. Happy exploring! 🚀
If this guide helped you, feel free to share it or drop a comment below with your experience!
